A suspected carbon monoxide leak at the Building Blocks Learning Center in Kittery, Maine, resulted in the hospitalization of several individuals on Wednesday, February 12. Authorities quickly responded to the scene after reports of potential carbon monoxide exposure. While no fatalities or severe injuries have been reported, the incident has raised concerns about safety measures for carbon monoxide in public spaces.
Incident Details
At approximately 3:30 p.m. ET, local police received a call about a possible carbon monoxide leak at the day care center, where 27 children and 10 staff members were present. Emergency teams, including the Kittery Fire Department, Stewart’s Ambulance, and Kittery Police Department, immediately arrived at the location, with additional units called for assistance.
Hospitalizations
Initial reports indicated that seven individuals were transported to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. However, Portsmouth Regional Hospital in New Hampshire later confirmed receiving 11 patients, including seven children and four adults. It remains unclear if all hospitalized individuals were children.
Children who were not hospitalized were safely reunited with their parents outside the facility. The Maine State Fire Marshal’s office has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the suspected carbon monoxide leak.
The Dangers of Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious concern, as the gas is odorless, colorless, and potentially deadly. According to the Cleveland Clinic, it causes over 400 deaths annually in the U.S. and sends approximately 100,000 people to emergency rooms each year. The gas is produced by burning fuels like gasoline, wood, and natural gas, and improper ventilation can lead to dangerous symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and even death.
As of now, Building Blocks Learning Center has not provided a statement on the incident. The investigation by the Maine State Fire Marshal is ongoing, and more details will be provided as authorities determine the cause of the suspected leak.
